Nonis slams AI
British Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary here for
CHOGM :
* Commonwealth countries fully back Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UK Dr. Chris Nonis blasted an
Amnesty International report which he dubbed as a “fascinating piece of
fiction” based on third party news reports and websites. He told the BBC
Radio 4 Today programme on Tuesday: “I’m sorry to say that as usual,
Amnesty International has carried out its usual propaganda exercise of
misinformation and hearsay.
David Cameron |
William Hague |
Dr. Chris Nonis |
“We are a sovereign country just as Britain is... after we achieved
peace in the country, we have a wonderful opportunity to reconcile. We
have absolutely nothing to hide. That is why we particularly welcome all
54 heads of state, to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting to
see for themselves. “
British Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William
Hague will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
in Sri Lanka, Dr. Nonis said.
The Commonwealth biennial meeting in November this year, will be
preceded by the Commonwealth People’s Forum, the Commonwealth Youth
Forum, and the Commonwealth Business Forum, that usually attracts
several thousand delegates, and global media coverage. It will provide
the opportunity for the 54 Heads to meet to discuss matters of global
and Commonwealth concerns, and agree on collective policies and
initiatives.
Although there had been intensive lobbying in the past year by
anti-Sri Lanka activist groups with collateral agendas, in particular in
London, which is home to the Commonwealth Secretariat, they had not
succeeded in their attempts to pressurise Commonwealth Nations to shift
the venue, nor to pressurise the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group
to place Sri Lanka on its formal agenda.
Dr. Nonis said Sri Lanka enjoyed strong support amongst the
Commonwealth countries, represented by the Board of Governors of the
Commonwealth Secretariat, comprising the 54 London-based Commonwealth
High Commissioners, during their regular deliberations at Marlborough
House, in the spirit of unity and friendship.
He recalled the unwavering support of all except one country, at
recent meetings, which necessitates a depth and breadth of understanding
that Commonwealth countries are at different stages of development, with
a commonality of values and aspirations, as well as challenges and
constraints, and it is precisely this rich and diverse tapestry that
makes up the modern Commonwealth. Dr Nonis also spoke at the BBC’s RADIO
4 Today Programme in London, the BBCs flagship news and current affairs
programme, which provides insight, analysis and expert debate as key
policy makers are challenged on the latest news stories throughout the
UK.
He articulated the comprehensive reconciliation, reintegration, and
reconstruction programme underway in Sri Lanka in the post-conflict era,
under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Questioned by BBC interviewers, he also pointed out the imperative
for the international community to visit Sri Lanka and make an objective
and impartial analysis of the reality of contemporary Sri Lanka, and
extended an invitation to all those countries to experience Sri Lanka,
the Host Nation of CHOGM 2013.
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